Sofia Vergara: Why can't I portray a stereotype?

Sofia Vergara gets ''upset'' when fellow Latino women criticise her for portraying a ''stereotype'' on 'Modern Family' as she is ''grateful for the opportunity'' to represent Latino women on television.

The 44-year-old actress - who stars as Gloria Pritchett-Delgado in 'Modern Family' - gets ''upset'' when fellow Latinos complain about her character as she is ''grateful for the opportunity'' to represent Latino women on television.

In a joint interview with husband Joe Manganiello for HOLA! USA magazine, she explained: ''What's wrong with being a stereotype? Gloria's character is inspired by my mom and my aunt. They are both Latin women who grew up in Colombia, like me. They love colour, prints and shoes ...

''It upsets me when Latinos complain about Gloria. I am grateful for the opportunity because the gringos have let me in with this strong accent I have. Eight years ago nobody had an accent like this on television.''

Meanwhile, Sofia previously insisted she is too pretty to play an ''ordinary girl''.

She said: ''I realised that having a good figure was an advantage on TV and getting attention and publicity.

''But it also means you can't play more normal kinds of roles. I can't just play an ordinary girl. So I try to find roles which will let me capitalise on my looks and my personality and advance my career that way.''

And Sofia - who is now happily married to her second husband Joe Manganiello - admits she may have rushed into her first marriage to Joe Gonzalez because she wanted to avoid the attention of other men.

She added: ''When I was a teenager I was skinny but with big boobs. Everybody stares at you and of course every man is after you. It was a relief for me when I met my (first) husband and then I didn't have to deal with being chased as much. I am very comfortable with my appearance and I am not worrying about wrinkles. I think if a woman stays fit and lives a healthy lifestyle then she can project beauty no matter what her age.''